Jul 27 2008
Rip Currents
Often Tybee Island will experience rip currents produced by waves and generated by storms out at sea. The weather may be fine, but rip currents could be lurking and dangerous. You can even see them if you look as the water is more “ripply.” These currents are very powerful, and if you’re stuck in one, it can pull you out to sea. Here is some information about what to do if you get caught in one.
Your first reaction will be to panic and try to fight the current. DO NOT FIGHT IT! Try and remember to calm down–tell yourself to relax–float on your back for a bit to get yourself in control.
Swim perpendicular to the current. You will feel a change once you are able to begin heading for the shore, then start to slowly swim to shore. You should be able to get back, but if you’re still having trouble, swim perpendicular some more until you are beyond it. Then swim toward the shore.
Rip currents can kill you if you aren’t careful. But if you are caught in one, don’t panic. You’ll make it if you stay calm and THINK.


